Wildlife Promise » sailinghttp://blog.nwf.org
The National Wildlife Federation's blogTue, 03 Mar 2015 16:19:30 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.2Sailors Know the POWER of Offshore Wind Powerhttp://blog.nwf.org/2013/10/sailors-know-the-power-of-offshore-wind-power/
http://blog.nwf.org/2013/10/sailors-know-the-power-of-offshore-wind-power/#commentsThu, 03 Oct 2013 12:31:57 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=86246Read more >]]>Well before I understood how essential it is that we realize our offshore wind power potential in America, I knew that there was something unspeakably special about the wind offshore. Something changed in me the first time I saw a sail fill with breeze. In my years sailing I have been awoken, driven, and humbled by the force of this immense resource blowing off our shores. And somewhere along my journeys on the water – be it in times of calm, steady sailing, or in the center of a midnight squall with gusts so loud they absorbed my voice the moment it left me – it clicked in me, that this is energy in the most pure and powerful sense of the word, and we ought to tap it.

I have always struggled to articulate the intensity (or the intense serenity) of the sailing experience. After a weekend on the water, I rarely feel that my stories effectively convey what I experienced. Perhaps that is because I have yet to sail in the presence of an America’s Cup film crew. Please, for the sake of justifying my dramatic language, take two minutes to watch this videoon full screen:

Now I will hardly give all credit to the wind. What you just watched was a brilliant display of what happens when tacticians, engineers, and athletes bring their best together in the right place at the right time. But the force, the driver, the energy behind all the grandeur? That’s offshore wind. That’s power.

Diversify our energy portfolio, leading to lower and more predictable prices over time;

Create high-quality, long-term jobs in both inland and coastal communities;

Choose an energy path that protects the ocean from air and water pollution;

Protect wildlife and future generations from the dangerous impacts of climate change.

Here at National Wildlife Federation, with Catherine Bowes and me as two passionate sailors at the helm of our Campaign for Offshore Wind Power, we imagined other sailors might share our enthusiasm for the opportunity that this resource presents. We took our theory on the road and to the water. At Block Island and Nantucket Race Weeks, and most recently at the Gosport Regatta off the coast of New Hampshire, we told sailors about the immense potential to generate clean energy off our shores. We touted the ongoing efforts by state officials, industry, and supporters like NWF to finally bring wind power to the Atlantic Coast.

As we expected, sailors got it, they reached for stickers and voiced their own version of: “that makes sense.” For those less easily convinced, the fact that European sailors successfully navigate nearly 2,000 turbines offers some helpful perspective. The Royal Yachting Association published a position paper on offshore wind last May, and stated simply that, “navigating around static hazards is part of sailing and only in rare situations, such as in narrow channels with strong tidal flows, do static installations pose a threat.” So I think it’s safe to say, in moment of glory for Oracle Team USA, that if Europe’s got this, so can we.

Sailors have a unique understanding of just how strong the winds offshore can be, and just what these winds are capable of. At a time when clean energy needs every voice to ring together in a resounding demand for progress, there is a special place in this story for the sailing community.

The world is full of the promise of adventure, exploration and discovery. From high mountain peaks to lush forests and broad open oceans, people are always looking and finding new ways to connect to nature in exciting adventurous ways.

For some people, these outdoor experiences are grand and deliberate, seemingly epic and beyond what any of us can even imagine.

For others, there is a need to get to know what the region has to offer through organized outings, clubs, city and regional programs.

We are fortunate that here in the Pacific Northwest there are many organizations and programs that provide opportunities to connect with nature in meaningful ways.

Join Us at a Seattle Be Out There Event April 7th

On April 7, 2012, through the support of National Wildlife Federation’s national and regional partners, the Pacific Regional Center is presenting a Be Out There event at Lake Union Park. This is a free, family friendly event where partners and area youth service organizations will introduce participants to the Pacific Northwest’s regional wonders, resources and opportunities for connecting kids and families with nature.

During this exciting event a keystone partner, OAR Northwest, an adventure ocean rowing and education organization, will begin its Salish Expedition, title sponsored by the Canadian Wildlife Federation. At 1 p.m. the OAR Northwest crew will launch the specialized ocean rowboat from the park’s pebble beach, row across Lake Union and through the Ballard locks to begin the inspiring circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. Using pioneering satellite communications to deliver LIVE streaming video from the rowboat while underway, OAR Northwest connects families, students and classrooms to the extraordinary craft.

A Gaff-Rigged Schooner built in 1926

A “Get to Know” scavenger hunt will lead participants to nature activities at partner booths, model boats on the boat pond, and marine art on the deck of the historic schooner Lavengro.

This event also serves as the launch of the Robert BatemanGet To Know Art Contest which seeks to engage children in getting outdoors and building meaningful personal connections with nature through the expressive arts. Categories for the contest include original works of art, writing, photography, videography and music inspired by nature and is open to youth up to age 19.

Want to volunteer for the event? Contact me, Cathy Curley, at curleyc@nwf.org for more information!

The National Wildlife Federation is dedicated to inspiring families and individuals to get outside and connect with nature. The world is full of adventure and wonder to discover, but you don’t have to row around Vancouver Island to have an adventure. Inspiration, fun and discovery can be found as close as your own back yard. Please join us, Be Out There and get inspired!